10 gifts you should stop buying people

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In my thirty years on this earth, I have received some not-so-great gifts. First, there was Barney Tent circa 1992. It would have been great, but it popped open as soon as it came out of the box. Ironically, it was not very safe for kids. Then, there was this gigantic necklace that looked great for a boho-loving 50-something, but not for a polo-wearing 15-year-old. All I wanted that year was a graphic T-shirt from Abercrombie and Fitch. You win some, you lose some. Later on, there was a basket of brownie mix, chocolate frosting, and jams that I would never use in the three years before it all expired. If only these gift shoppers had the resources offered by my friends and I at Reviewed today. Their holiday shopping would have been much more successful.

All year long at Reviewed, we test products and research customer reviews to help you guys buy the best stuff. A month ago, we released a bunch of gift guides that include products we love and advice for getting gifts that don’t suck. Now, I am giving you guys a list of gifts you should stop buying, with some recommendations of what to buy instead of course. Happy gift shopping! May your adventures lead to happy gift recipients.

1. As seen on TV stuff

Gifts to stop giving people: As seen on TV(Photo11: Amazon)

Remember the Forever Lazy? It was like a Snuggie jumpsuit (also of as seen on TV fame), but with holes to go to the bathroom. Never in my life have I ever seen someone wear a Forever Lazy (that’s a lie—I saw one person wearing one at a Patriots game in 2011). Why? Because it’s kind of absurd. Same with Snuggies. I got a Snuggie as a gift once. Never took it out of the package. That’s because if it has an infomercial, it’s probably not a great gift idea.

If you want to get something trendy and cool, why not spend your money on such a thing that has proven to be both great AND useful instead? You could get our favorite affordable Alexa smart speaker, the Echo Dot OR our favorite aromatherapy diffuser. Not only do we love both of these, but the people love them too. We’re not saying to give these as gifts this year, but we also are.

2. Handbags and clothing a person did not put on a list of things they want

Gifts to stop giving people: Clothes & bags(Photo11: Getty Images)

A few years ago, I asked my boyfriend for a handbag for the holidays. No directions were given, as I, like many girlfriends out there, expected him to read my mind and get me the exact bag I wanted. He ended up buying me a bag that year—but it was not at all what I wanted. The color was wrong. The designer, or lack-thereof, was incorrect. The shape was not ideal. Morale of this story: Don’t buy someone a handbag unless they send you links and/or specific names of the bags they want.

If someone loves handbags enough to want them, they are going to be particular about what they want. If they don’t love handbags, they probably would prefer something else as a gift. The same goes for clothes and shoes, except even more so because these things have to fit right. If you’re looking to buy a gift for someone who loves picking out their own stuff, consider giving them a Rent the Runway Unlimited or Update subscription. I have been doing Unlimited for the past two years or so, and I love it. Read my review of the service here.

3. Something expensive JUST BECAUSE it’s expensive

When it comes down to it, an expensive gift like a Birkin bag does not say ‘I love you’ (although I would not be mad if someone who could afford it got me a Birkin bag—looking at you, Drake, I know you have a closet full of them for your future wife). Saying ‘I love you’ says ‘I love you.’

The holidays are not a time to show off. They are a time to be thoughtful and considerate. If you want to splurge this year, do it because the person will love, appreciate, and actually use the gift you get them. Need ideas? Here are our top picks for luxury gifts this year, with two ideas below.

4. Gifts that encourage a new habit instead of helping to maintain an enjoyable habit

Gifts to stop giving people: Something you want them to use(Photo11: Getty Images)

Don’t get someone a scale unless they ask for a scale (but also, maybe don’t ask for a scale?). Don’t get someone work out equipment that doesn’t regularly work out at home. Don’t get someone a fitness tracker unless the person is already into tracking their fitness. Basically, it’s rude to get someone something because you think they need it. You should be getting people gifts because you think they’ll want them, for example a TV or a Kindle.

5. Gift cards to stores you’re not 100% certain the person goes to

Gifts to stop giving people: Gift cards(Photo11: Getty Images)

Every year, tons of gift cards collect dust in wallets, bags, and desk drawers. But why? Most gift cards are literally free money to a specific place. Why wouldn’t someone want to spend free money? Well, if they have no interest shopping, eating, or drinking at the place the gift card is for, they won’t want to use the gift card. An example of this would be someone giving me a Dunkin Donuts gift card. I prefer Starbucks. Another example would be someone giving me a gift card to Ulta Beauty. Great store, but I am a Sephora fanatic. Know your audience before you buy the gift card—or just get the Visa! No one is going to think you’re more thoughtful because you chose a gift card to a specific store over the Visa one. You are still giving a gift card. At least give them one they’ll definitely use.

6. Scented things in scents you don’t know the person likes

Gifts to stop giving people: Scented things(Photo11: Getty Images)

A coworker told me that one gift she thinks people should stop giving is candles. I had to disagree of course, as one of my top gifts to give people is the famous Capri Blue Volcano scented candle. First of all, I am confident that the Volcano scent is loved by most people, but even if I am wrong (and I probably am), it doubles as chic home decor. Shopping for smells people will like is hard. This goes for candles, body lotions, perfumes, etc. ESPECIALLY body lotions and perfumes. If you’re buying someone a scent that is to be worn on their body, you better know they like that scent. If you don’t, maybe buy something else? Or consider a sampler of scents so the person can figure out what they like themselves. My favorite is Sephora’s! It’s my go-to gift.

7. Pajamas

Gifts to stop giving people: Pajamas(Photo11: Getty Images)

What kind of pajamas does this person like? Do they like to be warm when they sleep, or do they prefer being cold? Does this person even wear pajamas? If you don’t know the answers to one or more of these questions, you probably shouldn’t be getting someone pajamas. I know, I know, pajamas are a nice gift! But do you really want to spend your money on something that could be stuffed away in a dresser drawer collecting dust until spring cleaning happens two years later and the never-worn pajamas get put in a bag to be donated? Why don’t you just get something else? Like a blanket (that they can wear whatever they want under).

8. Stuff that is “funny” but not at all useful

Gifts to stop giving people: Funny gag gifts(Photo11: Amazon)

Last year, I ended up with two “Handicorns.” And yes, it’s exactly what you think it is: hand puppets for a unicorn. One for the face, two for the feet. Hilarious (kind of), but I’m never going to use these. Ever. A few years ago, I got a pizza night light. Funny because I like pizza, but it sat in the package in a drawer for three years before I threw it out. Please don’t buy someone something just because it’s funny. It’s a waste of your money—and it will only waste space in the person’s home until they throw it out.

9. Regifts

Gifts to stop giving people: Regifts(Photo11: Getty Images)

There are obviously exceptions where it’s okay to regift. Maybe you got a Fitbit but already have one, and your brother has been wanting a new fitness tracker. In that case, re-gift away! But if you got a fitness tracker you don’t love because it isn’t that nice, don’t give that to someone else just to get rid of it. They probably won’t want it either. Gift giving is supposed to be thoughtful—not a way to get rid of things you don’t want (unless it’s red wine and you drink white wine, wine is always a good gift… and regift).

10. Jewelry

Gifts to stop giving people: Jewelry(Photo11: Getty Images)

If you jewelry shop blind, there’s a 50% chance you will end up failing. After all, the kiss does not begin with ‘Kay.’ The kiss literally begins with ‘k,’ as in the letter. That's it. When my now-husband and I started dating, he got me a silver watch. The problem: I don’t wear silver jewelry. I wear gold jewelry. I never wore it. To be honest, I would have been happier with a $50 gift card to Starbucks. Now he knows that, and I know to always give him the gift that keeps on giving: A LIST OF THINGS I ACTUALLY WANT WITH LINKS TO BUY THEM. Now these lists live on USA TODAY in the form of articles. Lol, I’m kidding. Or am I?